Searching for Peter Palagi: America's First Ice Cream Man and Father of the Ice Cream Truck

This is the story of Peter Palagi and his ice cream company, which has stood the test of time, thriving for over 125 years. From its humble beginnings in 1896 when immigrant Pietro Palagi, having just arrived from Italy, started selling ice cream alongside other businesses that he tried his hand in. Pietro Palagi would assume his American name and eventually became Peter Palagi.

Ice cream street vending is what Peter started before the turn of the century, the late 1890s. For nearly 30 years his method of delivery was by way of horse and wagon. In the early 1930s the company upgraded its fleet with Model A Ford trucks, which were converted into ice cream trucks. The fleet eventually grew to six trucks which served the community for about 50 years before the company transitioned to the modern day step-vans that you see today.

Little did Peter know at the time that what began as just a way to make a living would become a multi-generational family business. Over the next three generations, the company continued to flourish. Then, in 1998, 102 years after its founding, the reins of the company were handed over to a fourth generation outside of the family. Peter Palagi's legacy would become an enduring part of Rhode Island's history and left an indelible mark in millions of its citizens. The name "Peter Palagi" became synonymous with "the ice cream man."

So, here is the story told from the inside, spanning from the early days and all the way to modern times, with a few surprises along the way.

ENJOY!!